The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Soccer’s Julia Grosso signs pro contract with Juventus FC Women
12.06.2021 | Soccer
The two-time United Soccer Coaches All-American will wear No. 15 for the Bianconere
AUSTIN, Texas – Add another signing to a growing list of Texas professional soccer players as midfielder Julia Grosso has inked a high-profile contract to join the Juventus FC Women of Italy's Serie A.
The Vancouver, British Columbia, native will officially become available with the Bianconere on Dec. 28, but isn't expected to see action for Joe Montemurro's side until the Italian Women's Super Cup match against Sassuolo on Jan. 5. Juventus currently leads the Serie A Women's standings at a perfect 10-0-0 (30 points) having outscored its opponents by an impressive total of 24-2.
"Julia Grosso has topped off her historic year by signing a contract with one of the most storied clubs in Europe," Texas head soccer coach Angela Kelly said. "Juventus has signed an extremely competitive and creative left-footed player that possesses great vision and an eagerness to go to goal. Her deceptive ability to separate off the dribble is exceptional and can be lethal to her opponents. We are all so proud of Julia and know that her best days on the pitch are still to come."
The two-time United Soccer Coaches All-American recently completed her stay on the Forty Acres by picking up her fourth straight All-Big 12 Conference nod after helping power Texas to an 11-5-6 overall record and a second-place finish in both the Big 12 Conference regular-season standings and at the Big 12 Championship. Grosso rated third on the squad with six goals, four assists and 16 total points to wrap-up her UT career with 21 goals (tied for 10th in Texas history), 16 assists and 58 points over 58 career matches. Back during the summer at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Grosso stepped up and made the decisive penalty kick in a shootout to down Sweden and secure the first women's soccer gold medal for the Canadian Women's Senior National Team.
Grosso joins a list of Texas-Exes that have or are currently playing professional soccer. Recent Texas-Exes Cyera Hintzen (Perth Glory – Australia & Valur Rejkjavik - Iceland) and Haley Berg (Zaragoza CFF – Spain) are playing professionally overseas. Former goalkeeping standout Abby Smith (2012-15) currently plays in the NWSL for the Portland Thorns after beginning her career with the Utah Royals. Phoenetia Browne (2015) has spent time with Sindri (Iceland), CSFA Ambilly (France), Olimpia Cluj (Romania), Aland United (Finland), FH (Iceland) and is currently with SC Sand (Germany). Chelsea Surpris (2015-18) is currently on the roster for FF Yzeure Allier Auvergne (France) after a previous stint with ASJ Soyaux (France). Former goalkeeper Cara Connatser (2013-16) played part of the 2018 season in the English FA Women's Super League for West Ham United. Longhorns Jill Gilbeau (Texas 2005-08; San Diego WFC Sealions/Washington Freedom), Stephanie Logterman (Texas 2005-08; Jersey Sky Blue/St. Louis Atletica) and Kelly Wilson (Texas 2001-04; Charlotte Lady Eagles/KIF Orebro DFF, Boston Breakers) also all spent time in the pro ranks after graduation.
